PARAMYXOVIRUS – MUMPS

Paramyxovirus - Mumps

Definition:
Paramyxovirus - Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands near the ears, leading to symptoms such as swollen cheeks and neck.

Causes:

• Paramyxovirus - Mumps virus is the causative agent.
• Spread through respiratory droplets, contact with infected saliva, mucus, or contaminated surfaces.

Types:

• There are no subtypes or strains of the Mumps virus.
• Mumps virus can be categorized into different serotypes based on antigenic differences.

Pathogenesis:

1. Entry: Mumps virus enters the body through respiratory droplets, contact with infected saliva, mucus, or contaminated surfaces.
2. Attachment: The virus attaches to the host cell using hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein.
3. Fusion: The virus fuses with the host cell membrane, releasing the genetic material.
4. Replication: The virus replicates within the host cells, producing new viral particles.
5. Release: The new viral particles are released from the host cells.

Morphology:

• Mumps virus is a single-stranded RNA virus.
• It belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family.
• The virus has a helical symmetry and a lipid envelope.
• The diameter of the virus is approximately 120-300 nanometers.

Clinical Features:

1. Parotid Gland Swelling: Swelling of the parotid glands near the ears.
2. Pain: Pain in the cheeks, ears, and jaw.
3. Fever: Elevated body temperature.
4. Headache: Headache and general feeling of illness.
5. Loss of Appetite: Reduced appetite.
6. Sore Throat: Soreness in the throat.
7. Rash: Rarely, a rash may appear.

Complications:

• Meningoencephalitis: Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
• Orchitis: Inflammation of the testicles.
• Oophoritis: Inflammation of the ovaries.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.
• Hearing Loss: Permanent hearing loss.

Laboratory Diagnosis:

1. Isolation: Isolation of the virus from patient samples such as saliva, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid.
2. Serology: Detection of antibodies against the Mumps virus in patient serum.
3. PCR: Polymerase chain reaction to detect viral genetic material.
4. Imaging: Imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans to rule out complications.

Management:

1. Supportive Care: Rest, hydration, and pain management.
2. Antiviral Medications: No specific antiviral medications are available for Mumps.
3. Immunization: Vaccination is available to prevent Mumps.
4. Complications: Treatment of complications such as meningitis, orchitis, or pancreatitis.

Memory Trick:

• Entry, Attachment, Fusion, Replication, Release (EA-F-R-R) - Eager Animals Feed Rapidly, Run Rapidly (to remember the pathogenesis steps)

Word Trick:

• Mumps: My Underlying Mysterious Painful Symptoms